Spanish, B.A.

Speaking a language other than English is a necessary asset in an increasingly globalized, complex world. Mastering Spanish as the demand for bilingual workers in the U.S. continues to rise gives graduates a competitive edge in education, health care, business, international relationships, government, cultural studies, social work and law enforcement. It also enlarges one's horizons by increasing cultural awareness and global contacts. Curriculum Overview Spanish majors at Saint Louis University achieve oral and written proficiency in the language while taking courses in literature, culture, linguistics and Spanish for the professions. A diverse curriculum that focuses on literary, cultural and linguistic analyses provides students with an informed understanding and a critical perspective of main issues in Spanish and Hispanic societies. Thus, when graduating, a Spanish major at SLU may have taken some of the following courses: Advanced Spanish Grammar Spanish Sociolinguistics Spanish for the Health Professions English-Spanish in Translation The African Experience in Latin America Latin American Film Don Quixote Spanish Jewry in Spain and in the Diaspora Introduction to Hispanic Linguistics Learning Outcomes Graduates will be able to articulate complex ideas and have meaningful interactions in Spanish, both orally and in writing. Graduates will be able to interpret texts and artifacts produced in Spanish. Graduates will be able to demonstrate an awareness of the diversity of the Spanish language, cultures, and Hispanic populations. Graduates will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the role of Spanish as a major world language with a relevant cultural legacy. Graduates will be able to engage with Spanish-speaking cultures. They will be able to explain similarities and differences between cultures. Careers A major in Spanish, complemented by a second major, uniquely qualifies students to compete and advance in many careers. Spanish graduates can develop career paths successfully in: Education Medicine and health sciences Business Law Government work; politics Social work; non-governmental organizations Foreign service Scientific research Translation and interpreting